Pedestrian deaths preventable: Green Party calls for investments to make walking safe

Toronto: The Ontario Chief Coroner’s Report states that pedestrian deaths are preventable. The GPO is calling on the government to support safe streets by creating a walking strategy for Ontario that includes an infrastructure fund and mandatory side-guards on trucks.

The Netherlands has increased the number of daily walking trips to 25% with investments to improve the walking environment. Ontario can do the same with a comprehensive walking strategy.

As part of this effort, an infrastructure fund is needed for municipalities to invest in cross walks, convenient connections to transit and audible pedestrian signals. The GPO wants the province to commit 1% of the transportation budget to pedestrian infrastructure.

Mandatory side guards on trucks prevent pedestrians as well as upended cyclists from falling under moving trucks. Their $800-$1600 cost is small compared with saving lives, and they help trucks reduce fuel consumption.

Streets and roads that are safe for all users help improve air quality, boost local economies, reduce fuel use and create pleasant communities. Improved transportation networks are also an economic bonus, supporting businesses and increasing the efficient flow of people, goods and resources. Liveable communities foster thriving main street economies.

According to Transport Canada, an active transportation trip saves Canadians $1.70 per kilometre travelled over a kilometre travelled by car.

“Ontario must recognize that walking is an important form of transportation,” says Schreiner. “A comprehensive walking strategy is long overdue. Everyone is a pedestrian, and we must demand that the government act on the Coroner’s recommendations now.”